Nine chapters receive awards for participating in nationwide marketing contest


FFA chapters across the country partnered with local veterinarians and Pfizer Animal Health representatives to promote responsible, economic and proper use of Pfizer Animal Health products - and nine chapters earned $12,900 in the process.

Pfizer Vet logo "Pfizer Animal Health and our partners are longtime supporters of the values, education and experience FFA offers," says Julian Garcia, group marketing director with Pfizer Animal Health. "This contest allowed individual chapters to showcase their industry knowledge and practical experience. Not only did these chapters earn funds to help support their activities, but the students made deeper connections to the industry that can help them as they become our future leaders."

The first-place chapter, Paris FFA in Paris, Mo., received $2,500 and a trip to Pfizer Animal Health's headquarters in Madison, N.J., for the chapter advisor and four students. While visiting Pfizer Animal Health, the chapter representatives will present the winning plan to a group of the company's marketing and sales colleagues. The chapter plans to use the funds to help support daily FFA operations and to provide its members the opportunity to attend conferences at the local, state, and national levels.

"Watching my students work and dedicate their lives to FFA and help promote the agriculture industry is what gives me faith that the future of agriculture is so bright," says Josh Bondy, Paris FFA, chapter advisor. "Members of Paris FFA worked to develop a marketing plan for Pfizer Animal Health products, and they implemented that plan with the help of our local veterinarian, Dr. Mac Wilt (Paris Vet Clinic). The FFA motto states: ‘Doing to Learn,' so thank you Pfizer Animal Health, Dr. Wilt and the Paris community for providing us this opportunity. Our students are now better prepared for college and to enter the agriculture workforce."

FFA chapters participating in the marketing contest worked with a local veterinarian or animal health supplier on an educational program, producer meeting, open house or other initiative to promote the effective, economic and proper use of cattle and/or equine animal health products. Then, each chapter submitted a plan summary including objectives, descriptions of the process and outcome and submitted photos and metrics determining their success.

For the Paris FFA Chapter, the contest allowed the students an opportunity to work with their local veterinarian and provide a platform to educate and interact with local livestock producers.

"On our farm, we frequently use Pfizer Animal Health products; these products have helped to ensure the health of our animals and maintain a high level of productivity. By having this opportunity to develop a marketing plan for these products and interact with customers, I feel better prepared to enter veterinary studies in college." says Britton Francis, senior Paris FFA member.

The chapter participated in two events to promote Pfizer Animal Health products: Monroe County Ag Night and Steer Weigh-in Day. The FFA members were able to get everything needed to put these events together by donation. Their local veterinarian, Dr. Wilt, was at both events to talk to potential customers about Pfizer Animal Health products. Overall, the chapter was able to reach 350 prospective customers between the two events. In addition to the FFA members providing information on animal health, local agricultural leaders had a chance to see the future of agriculture in action.

"The Monroe County Ag Night was a huge success; it was very motivating to see everyone in the county with the same mind set, improving agriculture. Thank you to the Paris FFA and Paris Vet Clinic for setting up and educating us for the evening," says Megan Morgan, local row crop and cattle producer.

About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacture and commercialization of animal health medicines and vaccines, with a focus on both livestock and companion animals. For more than 60 years, we have been committed to enhancing the health of animals and bringing solutions to our customers who raise and care for them. To learn more, visit www.pfizeranimalhealth.com.

Full list of winners and partners:
First place ($2,500 award and a trip to Pfizer Animal Health headquarters for four students and the chapter advisor):
· Paris FFA in Paris, Mo. (Partners: Dr. Mac Wilt, Paris Vet Clinic)
· Advisors: Josh Bondy and Stephanie Eckler
Second place ($2,000 award):
• Valentine FFA in Valentine, Neb. (Partners: Dr. Rogers & Dr. Larson)
• Advisor: Gregory Nollette
Third place ($1,500 award):
• Newell-Fonda FFA in Newell, Iowa (Buena Vista Veterinary Clinic)
• Advisor: Crystal Walters
Honorable mentions ($1,000 award):
• Cascade FFA in Cascade, Iowa (Partner: Rolling Hills Veterinary Clinic)
• Central Columbia FFA Chapter in Bloomsburg, Pa. (Partner: Bloomsburg Vet Hospital)
• Hartsburg-Emden FFA in Hartsburg, Ill. (Partner: Timbercrest Veterinary Service)
• Turlock-Pitman FFA Chapter in Turlock, Calif. (Partner: Paul Fernandes)
• R.G. Drage C.T.L. FFA Chapter in Massillon, Ohio (Partner: Mavare Animal Clinic, DVM Jodi Steward & DVM Randy Stern)
• Woodbridge FFA in Bridgeville, Del.

09.27.2012